Wednesday, September 25, 2013

How much longer can the UCI (International Cycling Union) hold back advances in bicycle racing technology? The UCI's definition of a bicycle dates back to 1933. It's time that the UCI follows the lead of other major sports and allow for the technological advancements in human powered machines to be applied to bicycle racing.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Stripped (as it would come from the dealer with upgrades added) the 700 weighs in right at 29 lbs.The "ready to ride" weight with the side bags and extra ride necessities (for me at least) the 700 gets beefed up to 38.5 lbs. This is before water, food, iPhone and me.Note: As of February 2014 I've eliminated some of the "necessities", permanently put on the front light and put on hand rests. The "ready to ride" weight now comes in at 37.8 pounds.

Inventory of accessories and supplies that bring the total weight up to 38.5 lbs.
Catrike Bags
DiNotte rear light with 4 cell lithium battery
Two accessory mounts on handle bars with two mirrors, wired Cateye computer and phone cradle.
Water cages
Brake strap
FlagStored under the seat:
Pump
Two 406 tubes
Two 622 tubes
Three plastic tire irons
Patch kit for tubes
Multi tool
Mini Leatherman knife with pliers
Small length of chain
Two Quick Links
Quick Links pliers
Latex gloves
Piece of wire to help with chain repair
Small rag
Two DiNotte large O rings for whatever
Utility strap

Stored in Catrike Bag:
First aid
Sunscreen
Lock
Bandanna
Ibuprofen!

The Catrike Bags have plenty of room left for food and the typical high tech cyling cold weather gear.

Stored under the seat.

Stored in the Catrike side bag.

1.6 pounds of stuff (included in the above pictures) that I could eliminate from normal daily rides but I won't. I like to be prepared even though realistically I could call Carrie to bail me out.

Add another 0.5 pounds when the headlight and 2 cell lithium battery are on the 700. Putting the headlight on is dependent upon riding conditions.

Add another 0.8 pounds for those days when tunes are a necessity. The Braven speaker and the bottle cage (that the speaker fits perfectly into) are mounted on the boom.

Friday, September 13, 2013

During my adult life I've put a lot of wear and tear on my body and being 6'1" doesn't help either, leverage and gravity take a toll on us tall folks. Time for a hip replacement. Can't delay any longer, first the right hip followed a weeks later by the left. The right hip gets sliced and diced September 30th.

I had arthroscopic surgery to my left hip back in April of 2011 and my right hip in September of 2011. I was told that there was no guaranty that arthroscopic surgery would do the trick for the long run. It got me through the last two years without to much of a problem.

I've chosen Dr. Andrew Jun in Santa Monica, CA. to cut me up. When choosing a physician I look at patient reviews (Angie's List and other online reviews), methodology ( through research it's clear that anterior hip replacement is the way to go) and a doctor who has performed countless hip replacements.

I've lost considerable strength in my legs due to my lousy hips. I'm looking forward to getting the replacements done and then start working on getting my strength back. Right before surgery I'll set up the CycleOps on my 700 and prepare for rehab.

The table (less the young lady) used for Anterior Hip Replacement...YIKES...put me to sleep fast!!

Sunday, September 8, 2013

My poor hips are fried. While figuring out how to repair or replace them I'll be taking shorter and easier rides. This morning's ride was back to the duck pond with a thermos of tea Easy 10 miler with just a touch over 800 feet of gain.

My hips may be fried (one a little more then the other) and while hiking and assorted other activities are on hold I can still ride in comfort laid back on three wheels. You gotta love recumbent cycling, so easy on the body and yet so good for it. How sad it is that people can't break away from the herd and explore the world of recumbent cycling. Right now my trike is the only thing that's keeping me active and in good shape mentally and physically.

As long as I take it easy and pop some ibuprofen it looks like I'll be riding my "most excellent" trikes right up until the day my hips are sliced and diced and riding soon thereafter.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Scott put into words what I'm sure many of us must feel. "... We engage in an intimate relationship with the earth and the elements, with our own will to continue, our own straining muscles. Each ride, every hike leaves us changed..."Read Scott's entire post here.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

I missed riding the last week of August...my hips are toast, especially the right side. Not only is my lousy hip sore but my doctor showed me beyond any doubt that my bad right hip is causing the muscles in my right leg to weaken. Depressing but it explains why the last few rides were less then inspiring.

Mark Tracy Rackow

I live and play along the Central Coast of California. Born in 1953 (you do the math) I've had joints repaired more times then I would like to remember and a heart attack. But it hasn't stopped me. I created my blog in July of 2009 to share thoughts and information about recumbent cycling as others have shared with me. Also I take a occasional detour into family, hiking and useless musings. RIDE ON!!